End Harbor Square Plans

It’s time for the Board of Supervisors to put a merciful end to the efforts of ZRD Development Inc. to develop Harbor Square.

ZRD, through its subsidiary Harbor Square Associates, has the exclusive rights to develop the two county-owned parking lots flanking the County Administration Center.

But in March, the San Diego City Council, which controls the planning for the harborfront site, rejected Harbor Square Associates’ proposal for a 400-room hotel, two office buildings, restaurants and shops. Although the majority of council members clearly wanted to kill the project, it was instead sent back to the county and ZRD to be reworked. Though that may have been intended as an act of courtesy, the council probably didn’t do either the county or the developer any favors by not making a final decision.

ZRD has contracted to pay $25,000 a month for its exclusive option on the land, but has not made any payments since February. The county and the developer are in a dispute now over the March payment. The supervisors have agreed to forgo the April and May payments and are scheduled to consider a request by ZRD later this month to exempt the company from the payments for another year because of the delays caused by the council’s disapproval.

The supervisors should face facts and admit that the project ZRD wants to build will never be approved. The city wants much less intense building on the land, which is currently designated as a park. The council has correctly concluded that the property directly across the street from San Diego Bay is not the place for two office buildings. Also to be considered is any eventual development’s compatibility with the county building, which was built during the Depression by the Work Projects Administration and is one of the most beautiful government buildings to be found.

When ZRD refused to make the $25,000 March payment by last Friday, it became in default on its contract, and company officials have said they have no intention of paying. That being the case, the supervisors should cancel the contract. Then they can reopen the competition to develop the lots and come up with a plan more appropriate for such a choice piece of public land.